CITES Convention

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora

Signed at Washington, D.C., on 3 March 1973

Amended at Bonn, on 22 June 1979

Amended at Gaborone, on 30 April 1983

The Contracting States,

Recognizing that wild fauna and flora in their many beautiful and varied forms are an irreplaceable part of the natural systems of the earth which must be protected for this and the generations to come;

Conscious of the ever-growing value of wild fauna and flora from aesthetic, scientific, cultural, recreational and economic points of view;

Recognizing that peoples and States are and should be the best protectors of their own wild fauna and flora;

Recognizing, in addition, that international co-operation is essential for the protection of certain species of wild fauna and flora against over-exploitation through international trade;